Skip to main content Jump to search Skip to main navigation
Go to the homepage

rPET as a material

What is rPET?

rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate and is made from processed PET packaging. The recycled material can then be reused to manufacture packaging and other products. Depending on the type of packaging and application, different percentages of recycled content are possible.

rPET is characterized by high transparency, good dimensional stability, and high tensile strength. At the same time, the material is lightweight and suitable for many packaging applications—including food, beverages, cosmetics, and household and personal care products.

The use of rPET can facilitate the incorporation of recycled raw materials into packaging. However, whether and to what extent the product-specific carbon footprint of a package changes can only be reliably assessed based on a product-specific calculation.

Whether packaging made from rPET is recyclable depends on the specific packaging unit and its components. Statements regarding recyclability should therefore always refer to the specific packaging or packaging component in question.

rPET - Questions & Answers

rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The material is made from recycled PET packaging and can then be reused to manufacture packaging and other products. Depending on the type of packaging and its intended use, different percentages of recycled material can be incorporated.
PET is made from virgin raw materials. rPET consists entirely or partially of recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The material properties may vary depending on the proportion of recycled material, material quality, and application.
To produce rPET, used PET packaging is collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into recycled material. The processed material can then be used to make new packaging and other products.
rPET is characterized by high transparency, good dimensional stability, and high tensile strength. The material is lightweight and can be used for a variety of packaging applications. The specific properties of a given packaging product depend on its material composition, recycled content, and manufacturing process.
rPET is used, among other things, for bottles, cans, cosmetic packaging, and packaging for food, beverages, and household products. Its suitability depends on the specific type of packaging and its intended use.
rPET can be used for certain food-contact applications. Whether a specific packaging product is suitable depends on the material composition, as well as the applicable regulatory requirements and available evidence.
Whether packaging made from rPET is recyclable depends on the specific packaging unit and its components. These include, for example, the container, cap, label, or other components. Statements regarding recyclability should therefore always refer to the specific packaging or packaging component.
The recycled content depends on the specific packaging and its design. Percentages always refer to a defined reference value, such as the body of the bottle or container. The reported recycled content should be traceable and verifiable.
The use of rPET can affect a package’s product-specific carbon footprint. However, concrete statements regarding the carbon footprint or a potential change can only be reliably made based on a product-specific calculation.
For rPET, depending on the packaging, information regarding the recycled content, the origin of the recycled material, and available documentation can be provided. The specific documentation available depends on the packaging in question and the material used.